Thursday, 20 November 2025

 Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (09:48): It was great to join colleagues over the weekend at Lankan Fest 2025 at Crown Riverwalk. I was joined by the federal shadow for multicultural affairs Senator Paul Scarr and my colleague in the other place the member for Eildon Cindy McLeish. Despite the rain, it was an absolute blast of an event, visiting many stallholders and many Sri Lankan community members from the northern suburbs. In particular I want to thank president Damitha de Mel on behalf of her wonderful organisation. I also then wandered over the Yarra to the Polish Festival at Federation Square, which was absolutely fantastic and celebrating its 21st year. It is a volunteer, inclusive celebration that highlights Polish art, culture and history. I would like to thank all of the organisers who put it together. It was also great to attend the Islamic Council of Victoria gala dinner on the weekend as well, where I joined Minister Erdogan to celebrate 50 years of the ICV in Victoria. This was a significant occasion and a moment to reflect on the council’s enduring contribution to the state’s social, cultural and religious fabric. Thank you to my friend president Mohamed Mohideen and the event organisers for their hospitality and friendship.